Sơn La is a land rich in cultural traditions, home to 12 ethnic groups, with the Thai making up more than half of the province’s population. The Thai people possess a unique and vibrant cultural heritage that is being preserved and spread, thus inspiring younger generations to embrace and love their culture.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has officially recognised two traditional festivals and one craft from ethnic minority communities in Son La province as national intangible cultural heritage.

The highland commune of Hang Dong in Bac Yen district is home to magnificent natural landscapes such as the "dinosaur spine" ridge, Long Chao waterfall, Rong May waterfall, and ancient sa mu (cypress) forests. Each season brings a unique beauty to the region—spring with blooming plum and peach blossoms, summer with lush green terraced fields, autumn with golden rice harvests, and winter with vast seas of white clouds.

As part of the “Colours of Son La” tourism event held in Da Nang city, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province organised a photo exhibition showcasing 100 artistic photographs under the theme “Son La Tourism – Cultural Experiences, Nature Exploration” on June 19-23.

Phieng Bay hamlet, Chieng Khay commune, Quynh Nhai district, is home to 212 households with over 1,000 residents. About 85% of them are the Red Dao ethnic people, who have lived there for generations.

A Xoe Thai dance competition has taken place within the framework of the Yen Chau Mango Festival 2025, drawing artisans and actists from the art teams of Chieng Khoi, Chieng Hac, Chieng Pan and Sat Vat communes and Yen Chau town.

Competitions on traditional crafts and ethnic constumes were held in Sap Vat commune, Yen Chau district on May 31, as part of the Yen Chau Mango Festival 2025.

The Dong Sua ritual took place in Kha hamlet, Sap Vat commune, Yen Chau district on May 30, marking the opening of the 6th Yen Chau Mango Festival 2025.

Since 2021, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has collaborated with district-level authorities to organise 17 training courses on intangible cultural heritage.

An art troupe from Son La province participated in the “Sen Village Singing Festival” at the Traditional Arts Centre of Nghe An province from May 16 to 19 in commemoration of the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – 2025).

The provincial Museum and Library organised a wide range of exciting and attractive activities on May 15-16 to celebrate the International Museum Day (May 18).

Alongside its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive cultural traditions, the culinary diversity of local ethnic communities—with dishes rich in the flavours of the Northwestern mountains—enhances Son La’s appeal, drawing visitors to explore and experience the locality.

Hang Dong commune in Bac Yen district is home to 330 households, with the Mong ethnic group making up 97% of the population. To preserve traditional cultural values, the commune has encouraged residents to maintain their handicrafts, including weaving, embroidery with traditional motifs, crafting panpipes and flutes, and making traditional carrying baskets.

In Quang Huy town, Phu Yen district, around 20 households are preserving the traditional weaving craft of the Thai ethnic group, with average monthly income of 9-11 million VND (346-423 USD) per household.

Muong Chien commune in Quynh Nhai district has achieved universal preschool education for five-year-old children. It has also met Level 3 standards for primary education and Level 2 standards for secondary education.